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Old 02-21-2007, 06:04 PM   #1
Adam
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Thumbs up Pentax Announces New DA* Lenses and Other Accessories

February 21, 2007

Pentax Releases and Announces New Lenses

Pentax have announced today the availability of the first two DA*-series lenses, the SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM and the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM. Both of these lenses feature Pentax’s new ultrasonic-motor AF assist system as well as a "quick-shift" manual focusing system along with complete weather sealing. Also new is the Pentax SP (Super Protect) lens coating, which will effectively repel water, dust, and grease from the front element. Overall, these DA* lenses are designed to deliver the finest in both optical and mechanical quality; the suggested retail price is $899 and $999, respectively.


Pentax simultaneously released details on other products, including the SMC Pentax DA* 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] SMD, SMC Pentax DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SMD, and SMC Pentax DA* 60-250mm ED [IF] SDM. The latter lens is scheduled for release in December, while the other two primes should be available by September. A 35mm F2.8 Limited macro lens and an AF-200FG flash were also announced, but specific details, including the release dates, remain unknown.


All the above DA-series lenses are designed for use only with Pentax DSLRs. The SDM function is currently only supported by the K10D. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the 200 and 300mm primes will not be part of the D-FA series as the Pentax lens "roadmap" had previously stated.

Although many specifications remain unknown, the Pentax 645 medium format DSLR is likely to feature a 31.6-megapixel Kodak CCD sensor. The 55mm D-FA series lens to accompany it upon release will have an aperture speed of F2.8.

Please visit the following lens database entries for more information on the current DA* zooms:
-16-50mm
-50-135mm
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